Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Charlotte- As much as I wanted that to happen, I doubt Dumbledore would ever do such a thing.

Déjà vu

Far from Hogwarts, in the middle of a forest, there was a group of people in black cloaks. The moon was high in the sky, barely a sliver of light through the dense canopy. Mist surrounded them, swirling around as different people moved. A small popping noise alerted them to someone approaching. A tall man, his face so pale it was nearly white, had appeared. His nose was merely two vertical slits and his eyes were red.

The man, if one could call him that, extended his hand and flicked his abnormally long fingers at the others. They immediately scattered, forming a circle with a few gaps. Lord Voldemort walked in the middle, turning his head to look various people in the eye. Some stood still, but others shifted nervously. Suddenly he stopped.

"Report, Abraxas."

"My Lord, there has been an incident at Hogwarts." The smooth, quiet voice of Abraxas Malfoy said.

"Are you going to stand there or are you going to tell me what happened?" Voldemort whispered.

"Bellatrix Black attempted to kill one of the other students. A Gryffindor."

"That is of no consequence to me." Voldemort hissed.

"My Lord, she was caught doing so in a classroom exercise. She also used one of the shields that Rodolphus taught her, the one that uses the energy of those who try to disable it. Apparently she lost her temper and tried to send a Lethifold at the girl."

The Dark Lord frowned slightly. "How did the girl survive?"

"The professor couldn't take down the shield, even though she did try. But the girl, she knew how to cast a Patronus Charm, and created a fully corporeal Patronus."

"Hmmm... impressive. Being able to cast a Patronus strong enough to drive away a Lethifold while still in school... not many are able to achieve such a thing."

"Yes, my Lord. Bellatrix has been punished with detention for the rest of the term, and perhaps the year."

Voldemort waved his hand in dismissal of that fact. "What of the girl? Who is she?"

"Her name is Mya Grey, my Lord."

"Find out more."


After being questioned endlessly by her peers, Hermione was ready to leave dinner and go to bed. However, she didn't want to be rude, so she stayed in the Great Hall and pretended to be interested in a story that James, Sirius and Remus were telling about a prank they had pulled that involved a lot of birds following the Slytherins around. She had to admit that it was an impressive show of magic, but she was still tired.

Finally the talk died down and people began to make their way to their Common Rooms. Hermione lead the way as the girls tried to engage her in a conversation, and the boys were still laughing about the prank from who-knows-when.

Once in the Common Room, some people worked on homework. The procrastinators, however, sat around and played wizards chess and Gobstones. Since Hermione had already done her work and didn't feel like playing or watching others, she grabbed one of her textbooks from her dormitory and settled down into a comfy sofa by the fireplace.

The time passed quickly for Hermione as she sat there reading, while others slowly began to yawn and drift off to bed. Before she knew it, she was completely alone in the Common Room at one in the morning.

Hermione stretched her arms and put down her book carefully. As she looked around at the room, a deep sadness overcame her. The room was so similar, and yet everything was so different... She got up and walked out the portrait hole, knowing that sleep would evade her while she was still this emotional, so she decided to take a walk.

She wandered the hallways, taking shortcuts and secret passageways when she heard a noise nearby. After walking aimlessly and still feeling so depressed, Hermione found herself in front of the double doors that lead outside nearly a half hour later.

She pushed them open and shivered at the draft of cold air that swept by her. That didn't bother Hermione, though, not at all. She welcomed the cold now.

The grounds were so dark, but Hermione knew her way around extremely well. Soon she was standing on the edge of a cliff, with the Forbidden Forest on her left, where it extended all the way down into the valley beneath her. Hermione had a miraculous view of the trees and the edge of the lake, a picturesque scene. She had found this place during her third year when she was fighting with Harry and Ron, and had once been comforted by simply sitting there and crying. Now Hermione felt the need to do something else. A song made it's way up her throat, unbidden, but not unwelcome.

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here?
I feel you all around me
You're memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be?
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above?

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath aways not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream?
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me
Everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me
From up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight to see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath aways not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath aways not far
To where you are

Hermione fell to her knees as she finished the song, huge sobs wracking her whole body. She clutched her face with her hands, the tears streaming in between her fingers. Suddenly it was all too much. Harry, Ron, her parents, the Horcruxes, being thrust back in time, it weighed upon her conscience heavily. Hermione threw back her head and screamed.

"WHY!?" The sound echoed in the distance, coming back to haunt her as it slowly faded away. Hermione cried a little bit more taking deep breaths to try and regain control of herself.

"Why?" she whispered, a cloud forming in front of her mouth, before it disappeared.

After all her tears were spent, Hermione slowly climbed to her feet. She clenched her fists as she gritted her teeth in determination. She looked up at the sky, and made her vow to the heavens.

"I will destroy all of the Horcruxes. I will see to it that Voldemort is killed for good before he can kill Lily and James Potter. He will not leave Harry as an orphan. The Second War will never happen. My friends won't have to live in fear or go to a school where Death Eaters are in control. My parents will not die. None of my friends will die." She looked straight ahead and stared out at the horizon, where there was no sign yet of the sun. "I swear." she whispered.

Hermione took one last, long look at the valley beneath her, then turned around and walked back to Hogwarts.

Little did she know that someone was hiding in the forest, listening to every word she said.


"Mya! Mya, come on, it's time to get up!" A voice said as Hermione lay in her bed, in that place in between sleeping and waking.

An annoyed sigh came from the person, then they shook Hermione a few times.

Hermione groaned. "I'm up, okay?"

"No, not okay. Alice and Lily are already at breakfast. Class starts in thirty minutes! Be thankful that I'm waking you up now, rather than waiting until the last minute."

Hermione shot up, her head spinning as she fought off the last vestiges of sleep.

"Thought that would get you up." Hermione looked over and identified the speaker as Mary, who was now leaning against the bedpost, her arms folded.

"Right. Thanks." She said as she ran to grab her robes. Silently she thanked herself for taking a shower after she had come back from the grounds, leaving no need for her to take one now.

Ten minutes later Hermione was dressed and ready to go, with Mary still leaning against the bedpost watching her with amusement written on her face.

"Ready?" Mary asked.

"Yes." Hermione answered after quickly checking through her bag to make sure she had her books for her classes this morning, Arithmancy and Charms.

"Great. Let's get something to eat."

On their way down they made some small talk, until Mary mentioned that her favorite class was Arithmancy. This started an enthusiastic conversation between the two about the class, each one eager to give their own opinion.

"Hello, Grey."

Both Hermione and Mary stopped when they saw that Bellatrix, Rosier, and Dolohov. Hermione sighed at the sense of déjà vu, and wondered if this was going to become her morning routine. Get up, walk down to breakfast with a classmate, and then run into the Slytherins.

"Black." Mary said coolly.

Bellatrix glanced briefly at her as she said, "I was speaking with Grey, not you Boot." She then turned her attention back to Hermione.

"So, Grey, think you're something special after that little stunt you pulled yesterday?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "The little stunt I pulled? What about you? What about that incident when we were dueling? What were you trying to do?" she tapped her finger on her lips and pretended to be deep in thought. "Oh yeah," she said with a snort, then folded her arms. "You tried to kill me."

Bellatrix sneered, and folded her own arms in response. "I'm giving you fair warning this time Grey. After all, accidents happen. So don't be surprised when next time you aren't so lucky as to face it head on."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Typical. You're going to be a coward and wait until my back is turned, is that right?"

Bella narrowed her eyes. "How dare-"

"Fifty points from Slytherin."

Everyone turned in surprise to see Professor Wiccara appearing behind the three Slytherins, her mouth thin and her eyes flashing.

"Professor-" Antonin Dolohov began, but was cut off.

"I don't want to hear any excuses." Wiccara snapped. "That's fifty points from Slytherin, each, and I want to see you in my office now, Miss Black." She glared at the black haired witch. "Threatening another student is not tolerated. Especially after already attacking said student. In fact," she smirked, "let's go and wait in Professor Dumbledore's office, shall we? And don't worry, I'll be sure to ask Horus to join us. Actually, why not bring everyone? Miss Grey, if you could come with us as well." Wiccara looked around at the others. "Carry on."

Hermione looked startled, but followed her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor as they once again treaded the path to the Headmaster's office.

Once they had settled into the chairs conjured for them by Professor Wiccara, Bellatrix took up the same appearance as she did the day before; staring out the window and looking bored. Hermione crossed her ankles and folded her hands in her lap as she examined some of the silver instruments sitting in various places around the office. Wiccara conjured up a parchment and quill, and quickly scribbled something down. Two taps with her wand and both had disappeared.

Hermione shook her head at all of the things that had happened yesterday that were happening again today. She really hoped that this wasn't a tradition in the making.

"Have either one of you had breakfast yet?" Wiccara asked. Hermione shook her head while Bellatrix ignored her. A wave of her wand and a tray appeared, floating, in front of Hermione, full of various breakfast foods, toppings, and drinks. She thanked her professor and began eating as quietly and discreetly as she could, the silence unnerving her.

The second she had finished eating Professors Dumbledore and Slughorn walked into the room. Hermione pushed the floating tray away, and Wiccara waved her wand, making it disappear and a large chair appear for Slughorn.

"Fey, what happened now?" Slughorn asked with a sigh of resignation.

"Miss Black threatened Miss Granger. I can't stand for this, Albus! Something must be done!"

"What exactly did Miss Black say?" Dumbledore wondered, keeping Slughorn from protesting. He grumbled, but didn't say anything.

"She said that she was giving Miss Grey a fair warning, and that accidents happen. Miss Black also said that next time Miss Grey wouldn't face it head on."

"Come now, Fey, that could mean anything!" Slughorn boomed.

"What else could it mean, Horus?" Wiccara asked in exasperation.

The Potions Master opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. He seemed embarrassed to find that he had no reasonable explanation.

"What do you propose, Fey?" Dumbledore asked.

"Detention for the rest of the year, since I know that neither one of you will allow her to be expelled. However, if she is caught threatening or harming Miss Grey in any way, I have to insist that she be expelled. I cannot permit her to get away with anything less." Wiccara said, with nodded her head in finality.

The Headmaster seemed to consider this, then nodded. Slughorn began to protest, but Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him.

"I have to agree with Fey on this matter Horus. After the events of yesterday, I find that if Miss Black is capable of such actions, then we cannot let her stay here if she does so again. I will not put the rest of the students at risk."

Hermione looked shocked. This did not correspond with the events of her Sixth Year, where Draco Malfoy was trying to kill Dumbledore. In that instance, Draco harmed two students, Katie Bell and Ron Weasley, while attempting to fulfill his task set before him by Lord Voldemort, and Dumbledore did nothing to punish him. Although, Hermione considered, perhaps it was because the Headmaster knew the consequences Draco would face if he was expelled.

"And I trust that you took points away for this, Fey?" Dumbledore asked, the question breaking through Hermione's thoughts.

"Yes, of course. She was with Mr. Rosier and Mr. Dolohov, so I took away fifty points for all three."

"Fifty points? Fey, don't you think-" Slughorn said, trying to convince her of some other, hopefully smaller, number.

"I do think. 150 points seemed perfectly reasonable to me, and I remembered that I had completely forgotten to take away points for Miss Black's actions yesterday. So the points taken away today are also for what had slipped my mind when Miss Black tried to kill Miss Grey."

Slughorn sighed, knowing that he could do nothing. Even though he knew that his house didn't have that many points yet, so Slytherin was back to zero, while Gryffindor was over three hundred points ahead, and the second day hadn't even truly begun.

"I suggest that you two get to your next class, since I believe the bell will ring soon." Dumbledore instructed.

"Yes, professor." Hermione said as she got up and walked out. Bellatrix rolled her eyes and got up as well.

Hermione managed to make it through Arithmancy without having to deal with any questions, but once that class was over she and the other girls had a free period while the boys were still in Double Care of Magical Creatures. Even Peter had managed to pass his O.W.L. for the class and was taking it. Hermione had been surprised to find out that Remus wasn't in Arithmancy, since he had struck her as the kind of person to take a high level course rather than learn about other species.

Once the bell rang to signal the end of class, Mary grabbed Hermione's arm and dragged her up to Gryffindor Tower and into the Seventh Year girls dormitory, with Alice and Lily close behind. The second the door was shut she was bombarded with questions. Again.

"So what happened?"

"Has Bellatrix finally been expelled?"

"She should have been yesterday, I can't believe that Dumbledore didn't kick her out for trying to kill you!"

"You guys, shut it so that Mya can explain!"

Hermione waited for their full attention before speaking.

"Bellatrix has been given detention for the rest of the year, and if she's caught threatening or harming me, then she will be expelled. Professor Wiccara made sure that Dumbledore agreed to that."

"And 150 points were taken away from Slytherin for that." Mary added.

"Oh yeah, I was wondering why the Slytherin hourglass was completely empty. They didn't even have 150 points to start with, so they don't have any right now." Alice said with a laugh.

"Excellent!" Mary cried out, ecstatic.

The three roommates tried to pry some more information out of Hermione, but since there wasn't much else to tell they soon gave up and decided they should work together on their Arithmancy homework. They all just finished right when the bell rang for the end of their free period. They quickly grabbed their Charms books and made their way down to the classroom. Outside of it the boys were waiting, all eager to hear the fate of Bellatrix Black. Hermione quickly explained what had happened before they could even ask. As they sat down, Sirius and James came up with ideas to get Bellatrix to attack or threaten Hermione while a teacher was watching, each one more ridiculous than the last.

Once again Hermione showed her proficiency at magic, and earned another fifty points for Gryffindor. Thirty were for answering three questions correctly, and twenty were awarded for being able to cast nonverbal spells. When it was time for lunch, all of the Gryffindors were praising her for winning over three hundred fifty points in less than two days.

When they entered the Great Hall, the Gryffindors were cheering at the lead they had on all the other houses. They, along with the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, were at the same time laughing at the Slytherins for having no points whatsoever.